Car News, Specs and Reviews

Chevrolet Impala

In the sixties, unbridled consumerism began to wane. America turned away from the politics of prosperity and, in deference, Chevrolet toned down its finny Impala.

The ’59’s gothic cantilevered batwings went, replaced by a much blunter rear deck. WASP America was developing a social conscience and Fifties excess just wasn’t cool anymore. However, the ’60 Impala was no shrinking violet. Tired of gorging on gratuitous ornamentation, US drivers were offered a new theology—performance.

Freeways were one long concrete loop, premium gas was cheap, and safety and environmentalism were a nightmare still to come. For $333, the Sports Coupe could boast a 348cid, 335 bhp Special Super Turbo-Thrust V8. The ’59 Impala was riotous and the ’60 stylistically muddled, but within a year the unruliness would disappear altogether. These crossover Chevrolets are landmark cars—they ushered in a new decade that would change America and Americans forever.

RESTRAINED STYLING

The front of the Impala was meant to be quiet and calm and a million miles from the deranged dentistry of mid-Fifties grille treatments. The jet-fighter cockpit and quarterpanel missile ornaments were eerie portents of the coming decade of military intervention.

WHEELS

At $15 a set, wheel discs were a cheap accessory.

LUXURY EXTRAS

Chevy’s trump card was an option list normally found on luxury cars, like airconditioning, power steering and windows, and six-way power seat.

NATION’S FAVORITE

The Impala was America’s best-selling model in 1960.

IMMEDIATE SUCCESS

The Impala debuted in ’58 as a limited edition but went on to become the most popular car in ’60s America.

COUPE BEAUTY

The Sport Coupe is the prettiest Impala, with appealing proportions and a sleek dartlike symmetry.

EXHAUST OPTION

Dumping all that lead were twin exhausts, a bargain $19 option.

CLASSY REAR END

Triple taillights and a vertically ribbed aluminum rear beauty panel helped to sober up the Impala’s rear end. It was still a class act and a lot glitzier than the Bel Air’s plainer tail.

QUALITY RIDE

The Impala’s coil spring suspension was superior to the leaf-spring rear system found on rival cars.

SPACE STYLE

Chevy’s ad men sold the ’60 Impala on “Space-Spirit-Splendor.”

INTERIOR

Inside, the Impala was loaded with performance metaphor: central speedo, four gauges, and a mock sports steering wheel with crossed flags. This car incorporates power windows and dual Polaroid sun visors.

STEERING WHEEL

The sporty steering wheel was inspired by the Corvette.

TRIPLE LIGHTS

The triple taillights had disappeared in ’59 but returned for the ’60 model; they went on to become a classic Impala styling cue.

TAME FINS

The ’60 Impala sported much tamer Spread Wing fins that copied a seagull in flight. They were an answer to charges that the ’59’s uproarious rear end was downright dangerous.

RACING MODELS

The Impala impressed on circuits all over the world. In 1961, some models were deemed hot enough to run with European track stars like the Jaguar Mark II, as driven by Graham Hill.

LENGTHY FRAME

ENGINE

Two V8 engine options offered consumers seven heady levels of power, from 170 to 335 horses. Cheapskates could still specify the ancient Blue Flame Six, which wheezed out a miserly 135 bhp. Seen here is the 185 bhp, 283cid V8. Impalas could be invigorated with optional Positraction, heavy-duty springs, and power brakes.

EXTRA BOOST

Impalas could be warmed up considerably with some very special engines.